Democratic Party requests convention bid from Phoenix, 14 others

By KTAR.com | April 22, 2014 at 9:44 amUPDATED: April 22, 2014 at 5:00 pm

PHOENIX — The Democratic Party has reportedly requested a formal bid from the city of Phoenix to host its 2016 convention.

According to CNN, the official request for proposal was sent to cities late Monday. They have until June 6 to respond.

“While many of the requirements are specific to the various logistical and administrative goals of putting on the Democratic National Convention, we do seek a city that shares our values of equality, inclusion, diversity, respect and dignity,” said [DNC Chair Debbie] Wasserman Schultz, who also serves as a congresswoman from Florida. “And because of the significant security and construction related issues that we will face, we also look for a city with strong relationships with organized labor and those they represent. Our priority is to work with a community that will partner with us as we plan this historic event.”

The event could cost Phoenix as much as $60 million to host, but the returns could be triple that amount.

In an email, Mayor Greg Stanton confirmed his city will submit a bid.

“Phoenix is an ideal host for the national convention, and it’s a great opportunity for us to showcase the vibrancy and diversity of our community,” he said. “Hosting the convention would deliver an important boost to local businesses, and would also put the issues we face in Phoenix every day on the national stage.”